Organizational setting and reporting relationships:
Under the direct supervision of the Head of the IPU Office to the United Nations, the Adviser will seek to maintain and enhance interaction between the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the United Nations in New York, with a view to promoting IPU positions and activities and developing cooperation between the two organizations, particularly on economic and social issues. He/she will follow and participate in the deliberative work of the United Nations, inform on critical issues, and contribute to IPU’s strategic thinking and strategies on development-related issues and in close cooperation with Headquarters. He/she will also work to maintain a regular pattern of information sharing, and cooperation with the US Congress, as well as with other relevant international organizations and institutions based in the United States.
Accountabilities
Within delegated authority, and under the overall guidance and supervision of the Head of the New York Office, the Adviser will be responsible for the following:
Contribute to the development of cooperation, at both policy and operational levels, between IPU Headquarters and various UN bodies, as well as with foundations, universities and think tanks based in the United States;
Follow the work of the UN on daily basis, identify areas of interest for interaction with the IPU and, prepare factual and analytical reports as needed;
Participate in and contribute to UN consultations, in particular on matters pertaining to sustainable development;
Help build and maintain professional relationships with key UN officers, assist in the identification of entry-points for joint project opportunities and in the follow-up and implementation of the respective programs;
Assist the Head of the NY Office in representing IPU at different United Nations bodies and offices and in advocating IPU positions on specific issues;
Assist programme officers in the design of projects and operational activities flowing out of official UN processes;
Participate and represent the IPU when delegated to do so, in working groups, inter-agency meetings and advisory bodies on development-related areas where IPU is an institutional partner;
Assist in preparing and facilitating participation of IPU delegations to UN meetings;
Prepare, in consultation with programme officers at Headquarters, draft statements to be presented at the United Nations;
Assist in organizing IPU events in New York, Washington DC, and at international conferences (IPU or UN);
Ensure a regular flow of information regarding the IPU and its activities towards the United States Congress, and maintain close contact with key congressional staffers;
Assist with the drafting of budget documents, extra-budgetary proposals, and other institutional report related to the New York Office as needed;
Contribute regularly with articles and other inputs to IPU information products (i.e. eBulletin, website).
Coordinate with the Division of Support Services for administrative, legal, finance and human resources matters related to the New York Office.
Work implies frequent interaction with the following:
- Inter-Parliamentary Union Headquarters.
- United Nations staff and representative of the Bretton Woods Institutions.
- Country representatives and members of parliament.
- Representatives of relevant US-based universities, foundations, and think-tanks.
- Representatives of the press.
- Professional congressional staff members.
Results expected
High-quality outputs on key issues. Regular pattern of cooperation between the IPU and UN system. Provision of thorough, well-reasoned written contributions, e.g., background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc. Team-player in the development of IPU’s strategies and work-plans in the area of sustainable development. Servicing of relevant committees and governing bodies. Efficient use of resources.
Competencies
- Professionalism: Knowledge of international politics and current affairs and development cooperation; Familiarity with the functioning and structure of national parliaments, as well as of the United Nations system; Strong research and analytical skills; Excellent drafting and editing skills. Demonstrated initiative in delivering complex work products, Experience with political and/or advocacy campaigns.
- Planning and organizing: Demonstrated organizational skills; Ability to establish priorities, to plan and monitor own work plan and to work under pressure of frequent and tight deadlines.
- Communication: Ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate orally.
- Technology awareness: Fully proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications (e.g., word processing, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet.
- Teamwork: Good interpersonal skills; Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Qualifications
- Education: University degree in law, political science, international affairs, sustainable development, or journalism.
- Experience: At least 7 years of experience in political research or international relations.
- Language: Excellent reading and writing skills in English; working knowledge of French will be an asset, knowledge of Spanish, Arabic and/or other languages will be an advantage.
- Other skills: Previous experience of working in a parliamentary environment will be a distinct advantage.
Compensation:
The Inter-Parliamentary Union offers an attractive salary and benefits package, comparable to that of other international organizations, commensurate with education and experience.
Indicative annual net salary at the P3/P4 level (entry level, net of tax):
USD 71’335 / USD 86’027 at single rate (plus allowance for primary dependants if applicable).
Post adjustment:
A post adjustment for New York will be paid in addition to the above amount taking into account the exchange rates established by the International Civil Service Commission (website: http://icsc.un.org/). This rate stands at 75,60% for June 2026.
Employment policy:
This position will be filled through an international recruitment process that will be open to internal and external applicants.
The IPU is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Qualified women, individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
English and French are the two working languages of the IPU. From among equally qualified candidates, priority will be given to the applicants from the under-represented regions at the IPU. There will be a probation period of nine months.
This position will be based in New York and will require frequent travelling. It will be for an initial period of two years, renewable depending on satisfactory performance and availability of funding.
